According to news sources, Roanoke, VA police reported today that shoplifting has increased 51.5% in that city over last year. This is the latest in what appears to be an upward trend in shoplifting cases in cities all over the country. Cities like Elkhart, MI; Augusta, GA; Santa Monica, CA; Charlotte, NC, and now Roanoke, VA have all reported significant increases in shoplifting rates within the last 60 days. It appears as though this increase in shoplifting rates may be a nation-wide trend. So, why the increase?
There are a few reasons, actually. Although everyone is very quick to blame the economy, I’m not going to jump on that bandwagon. Rising prices may be a factor in rising shoplifting rates, but they are not the cause. So, what are the causes? First, in most areas, there are no real deterents with the court systems. In my experience, shoplifting is treated as a nuisance crime by police. In fact, it is a very rare occasion to see a shoplifter actually go to jail these days. As I have stated in previous posts, to some of these boosters, court fines are considered a cost of business.
Second, the reward outweighs the risk in many cases. According to most studies where shoplifters have been asked how often they get caught, the answer is once every 48 times. That’s right, even with sophisticated closed circuit television systems, electronic article surveillance, and all the latest technologies, the average shoplifter is only caught about 2% of the time. The average amount stolen by a shoplifter is $172.00. Even if the court would impose a fine of $1000.00 on a convicted shoplifter, which is far below what is realistic, then the shoplifter gains $7084.00 in merchandise. Even if they sell it for 25% of its value, they profit $1771.00. Truth is, the fines are more like $300.00 on average, making the actual profit closer to $2000.00.
So, to the shoplifter, the excitement, the thrill, and the monetary reward far outweigh the risks. Boosters, who steal for profit, have more incentive when prices are increasing, because their deals are more tempting to the average consumer.
Would you like to weigh in on this? Do you want to add to this list? Do you think I’m off base here? Leave a comment or weigh in on the forum.
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